Gujarati Community’s Gift
- Jul 26, 2017
The Gujarati community of Oakville have generously pledged $508,000 to help fund the equipment needs of OTMH.
The donation is from more than seventeen donor families who were inspired to come together and make a leadership gift to the hospital. “As local residents, we are privileged to live in a community that offers us so much, especially this new state-of-the-art hospital that will be here for our families and others during times of illness,’ said Kirit Patel, P.Eng Senior Fellow P&WC (retired), the donor instrumental in bringing this gift to the Hospital. “Together, we wanted to show our gratitude by giving to an organization that provides exceptional health care to all patients.”
Canada is home to a large Gujarati community. Named after Gujarat, a state in the mid-western part of India, the Gujarati people have settled worldwide and many are engaged in technical and other professions. They have played an instrumental role in many industries including manufacturing, textile and pharmaceutical, not just in Gujarat but the world over. Philanthropy is an important part of their culture.
In recognition of their gift, the Inpatient Rehab South Unit in the new Hospital is named in their honour, and numerous rooms within it.
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Service provides intensive, short term rehabilitation for patients with a variety of diagnoses. The program, utilizing the entire 4th floor of the north building, cares care for close to 1000 patients annually. The program has a defined focus in both specialized geriatric and rehabilitation services.
A wide variety of therapies are offered to inpatient rehabilitation patients including speech language pathology, physiotherapy, audiology consultations, chiropody and foot care and recreational therapy including pets, music, cooking and a variety of other activities. The goal of the program is to assist patients in regaining functional abilities to allow them to return home or an alternate level of care in the community.
The generosity of this gift has made a tremendous difference in the level of care OTMH can provide to patients.